Alex Ferguson to retire as Manchester United manager

Alex Ferguson, Britain's longest-serving and most decorated soccer manager, will retire at the end of the season after more than 26 years and nearly 1,500 matches at the helm of Manchester United, he announced on May 8, 2013. In this picture, Ferguson gestures during the English FA Cup third round football match between West Ham United and Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground, in London on January 5, 2013. (AFP)

Alex Ferguson is to retire as Manchester United manager at the end of this season, the English Premier League champions announced on Wednesday, bringing down the curtain on one of the most successful careers football has known.

Ferguson, 71, has been in charge at Old Trafford for 26 years, guiding United to 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time," Ferguson said in a statement released by the club. A legend at work

Ferguson, who had recently insisted he would be continuing as manager, is due to have a hip replacement operation after the end of the season and until rumours started circulating on Tuesday there was no indication he was about to step down.

United gave no indication of a successor amid speculation Everton's David Moyes could fill the Old Trafford hot seat vacated by fellow Scotsman Ferguson. Number game

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who established a friendly rivalry with Ferguson when in charge of United's rivals Chelsea, has also been touted for the role.

David Gill, who forged a highly succesful partnership with Ferguson as United's chief executive that included the unprecedented Treble of 1999 which included the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, paid tribute to the veteran manager. Sir Alex Ferguson retires

"I've had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable years - through the Treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous signings.

File photo of Alex Ferguson (AP Photo)

"Alex's vision, energy and ability have built teams - both on and off the pitch - that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport."

United said Ferguson would remain at Old Trafford as a director and club ambassador. His final game in charge will be against West Bromwich Albion on May 19.

Ferguson is due to have a hip replacement operation after the end of the season but until rumours broke Tuesday there was no indication he was about to step down. Long reign

The former Glasgow Rangers' striker's managerial career began with Scottish lower league club East Stirlingshire in 1974 and saw him win 49 major trophies in all.

Ferguson forged his managerial reputation in charge of Aberdeen, taking the Dons to a trio of Scottish Premier League titles and the 1983 UEFA Cup' Winners Cup before joining United in 1986.

Wow Sir Alex retires. End of a glorious era. Big shoes to fill for the next to take over. #thankyousiralex